Inspired by singer

I admire Mark Swed’s moving description of Thomas Quasthoff’s musicianship and his acknowledging the relationship between the depth of performance and the depth of life experience [“Quasthoff’s Powers Mystify and Amaze,” Nov. 18].

It seems to be unfashionable to celebrate artistic excellence and the values of courage and dignity, but Quasthoff in his singing and Swed in his writing have demonstrated both, inspiring us to think anew and with candor about our interpretation of human imperfection, about the potential within disability and about our response to both.

Catherine Phillips

Beverly Hills